WWE Rumors: Update on Plans for Ryback

As one of WWE's few breakout stars in 2012, speculation has been running rampant about the future of monster babyface Ryback.

While he may not be the best wrestler in the world (which is putting it mildly), he has still gotten over massively with fans in the past couple of months. It seems the star's winning streak, intensity and natural charisma make up for his shortcomings in the ring with more than a few members of the WWE Universe.

Interestingly, in this week's (subscribers-only) F4W Newsletter, Bryan Alvarez gives an update on the company's plans for the former Nexus star, noting that WWE owner Vince McMahon is a huge fan of his. However, he also mentions that we probably shouldn't get our hopes for a Ryback and CM Punk program any time soon:

Regarding Ryback, he's unsurprisingly a Vince McMahon favorite right now, and despite the strong build for a Punk vs. Ryback match, as of last week it was only a teaser and there were no real plans until around November or December.

Alvarez then goes on to note, however, that the company may have even bigger plans than a CM Punk feud for Ryback, namely putting him against Undertaker at WrestleMania 29:

That match may not even happen as there has been discussions of doing Ryback vs. Undertaker at WrestleMania, with the likely stipulation being streak vs. streak. It's hard to do a Punk vs. Ryback feud without beating Ryback, particularly if Ryback isn't in the WWE Title plans.

Undertaker vs. Ryback may be an unexpected match to many—speculation among fans seems to be that Brock Lesnar or a similarly famous and established star will get the nod.

On paper it sounds like a good idea: It would help solidify Ryback as a star, especially if he ended the streak, as well as taking some pressure off the physically wrecked Undertaker, to deliver another Match of the Year candidate at WrestleMania. After all, no one could realistically expect him to get an amazing match out of his foe and he'd be able to take it easy for once.